Royal Wootton Bassett RFC vs Swindon RFC

PROUD TO SUPPORT Royal Wootton Bassett RFC

RWBRFC President Andrew Gassor receiving a plaque from Andy Bridges, Chairman of Winscombe RFC

Chairman’s Welcome WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME OUR OLD FRIENDS AND RIVALS SWINDON RFC TO BALLARDS ASH FOR OUR FIRST LEAGUE GAME FOR SEVERAL YEARS Last week we were once again on the road for our first ever visit to Winscombe RFC. After a disappointing performance the week before against Old Cents, it felt as though the team was starting to click once again. Winscombe proved to be a very combative opposition and it was only in the second half when fitness levels began to tell, that Bassett pulled away for a comfortable final score line.

To date that’s four wins out of four and maximum bonus points, for what is probably one of the best starts to a season we have had.

For their part, Swindon missed out narrowly at home to Old Cents last week so I’m sure they will be keen to make amends for that this week.

The pitches are currently looking in splendid shape thanks to the efforts of the ground staff over the summer and recent weeks, so lets hope today’s game does the ground justice!

chris Elias | Chairman, RWBRFC

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GETTING TO KNOW...

NAME: HENRY TOOMER | AGE: 27 | POSITION: BACK THREE What inspired you to start playing rugby, and how long have you been part of the sport?

How do you mentally or physically prepare on the morning of a big rugby match?

My brother and dad played it and I followed suit.

Get up early, walk or cycle to get the legs going, eat and stretch and have a very hot bath.

When you were a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Be in the military.

What’s your go-to pre-game meal that you believe gives you the perfect energy boost before hitting the field?

What do you do now for a day job?

A tub/packet of flapjacks or Jaffa Cakes.

Project Manager.

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Playing rugby requires a combination of strength, speed, skills & strategy.

Which of these qualities do you think you most excel in, and which would you like to improve?

Speed is my strength, strategy is definitely something I need to work on.

On or off the field, which qualities do you think sets RWBRFC apart from other clubs?

The environment and community in and around the club.

If RWBRFC had an official mascot costume, what do you think it should be, and who would wear it?

A badger and Connor Tomley.

This season we are celebrating the important role our coaches play throughout all sections of our club.

Who was the best coach during your rugby career, and why?

Chris Cranbrook. He told me just to relax and focus on enjoy playing and the rest will follow.

As you run onto the pitch at the start of a game, what song should be played as your theme tune?

Mr Blue Sky by ELO.

When travelling to an away fixture by coach, who would you purposely not sit next to, and why?

We have some promising young players moving up to senior rugby. Is there anyone we should keep our eye on?

I’m new to the club so I’m not sure who’s coming up, but I’d say Magic Mike Clifton.

Among your teammates, who has the most annoying pre-game ritual or superstition, and what is it?

Alot of the guys love a budgie smuggler, it’s beyond me as to why.

What is your best physical feature?

Definitely my monobrow.

So far, what has been your biggest achievement in the sport?

Either playing Ireland 7s, London Scottish A’s or winning the County Championship last year with Dorset & Wilts.

What advice would you give to younger players in our club?

Relax and don’t rush anything, emphasize what makes you a good player, make sure you find a club that what’s you involved for the right reasons.

Finally, it’s been 10 years since our club moved to Ballards Ash...

What’s your favourite Ballards Ash memory you hold close to your heart?

Scoring my first try of the County Championship for Dorset & Wilts here last season against Devon.

Connor Tomley. He blames his farts on me.

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FROM SCRUM TO SKYDIVE: RWBRFC COLTS’ BOLD LEAP FOR CHARITY

In a remarkable display of courage and camaraderie, two young players from our RWBRFC Colts team recently took a leap of faith – quite literally – to support a vital cause close to their hearts.

Tom Woods and Rob Bullock, members of our Under 17s Colts team, undertook a breathtaking 15,000-foot skydive at the Old Sarum airfield. Their daring adventure, which took place last weekend, was not just an adrenalinepumping experience but also a heartfelt endeavor to raise funds for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance charity.

Tom and Rob’s skydiving escapade has already made waves, with nearly £1300 raised and counting. This impressive achievement is not only a testament to their dedication but also a testament to the generous support of the community rallying behind their cause.

Tom, reflecting on the exhilarating jump, exclaimed, “It was one of the best things

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I have done in my life.” Rob echoed his sentiments, adding, “It was a no-brainer to have some fun at the same time as raising some much-needed funds for the Air Ambulance charity.”

The significance of their charitable jump hits home as their team understand firsthand the critical role played by the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Recently, one of their Colts teammates faced a life-changing moment when they were airlifted to the hospital following a road traffic accident. Thanks to the swift response and expert care provided by the air ambulance service, no long-term harm was sustained.

Quick-Lee Cleaners

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We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Tom and Rob for their incredible achievement. If you wish to contribute to the boys’ fundraising, please visit their JustGiving pages below:

Tom Woods

Rob Bullock 7

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2023 | SOUTH WEST DIVISION | REGIONAL 2 TRIBUTE SEVERN

Old Centralians

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38

Royal Wootton Bassett RFC

Bassett Remain Top after Third Bonus Point Victory of the Season Bassett Claim Deserved Victory after Spirited Centralians Second Half Fightback The Gloucester side kicked off down the slope on a windless day. Centralians had plenty of early territory and possession, but the Bassett defence was working well and there was no clearcut chance.

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Bassett’s first foray into the Centralians half saw a penalty kicked to the corner for an attacking lineout. The resulting lineout saw second row Joe Pettit take an excellent ball and he was able to power over for Bassett to lead 5-0 just on the tenth minute. The conversion was missed.

A dreadful restart saw Centralians gather the ball and drive over for a converted try

to lead 7-5. This was to be the only time they would lead as Bassett began to pile on the pressure. A huge forward drive on the 20th minute saw No. 8 and skipper Gavin Ougan touchdown under a pile of bodies. Fly half Sam Baker converted.

try bonus point. Bassett ramped up the pressure. Ougan then scored the best try of the game rampaging through three tackles in the Bassett half before outrunning the Centralians cover defence.

Baker converted. Bassett’s scrum was now dominant and a drive from the setpiece saw the ball fed along the line to Thomas Blinkhorn who split the defence.

Baker again converted and Bassett led 387. Centralians looked out of the game.

The Gloucester side had other ideas and a second half revival had the touchline thinking the unthinkable. Centralians pressure saw an unconverted try in the corner. A minute later a poor restart saw Cents go in the opposite corner for a converted try to reduce the deficit to 17-38.

Bassett then lost second row Jack Daynes to a yellow after a high tackle but while reduced to 14 flying winger Henry Toomer created something out of nothing in his own half before racing down the pitch to score in the corner. The conversion was missed. Bassett went in with a 19-7 lead at the interval. Bassett had also lost winger Mike Clifton with a knee injury with Iwan Floyd replacing.

Bassett immediately went on the charge.

The first Bassett attack was fielded by Pettit who neatly fed Toomer for his second of the game wrapping up the

A somewhat uncomfortable and slightly farcical final 15 minutes saw Bassett reduced to 12 by the end as veteran hooker Phil Bardwell, prop Chis Roshier and Baker all saw yellow in a flurry of cards.

Centralians took advantage by adding a converted try to secure the try bonus point.

Further attempts on the Bassett line were thwarted by last ditch defence.

Bassett will be well pleased with a third consecutive bonus point that keeps them top of the division but have still really to fire on all cylinders.

Match report | George Loughlin Match Photos | James Booth Photography 9

Today’s TEAMS SAT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 | REGIONAL 2 TRIBUTE SEVERN SW

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT RFC

SWINDON RFC

Team selection

Team List not supplied AT TIME Of going to press

Chris Rosh * Scott Parry Harry Daynes * Josh Rice Joe Pettit * Jack Daynes * Josh McCafferty * Gavin Ougan * Rhys Floyd * Sam Baker Ethan Stock * Connor Tomley * Scott Douglas * Henry Toomer Charlie Brook

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Replacements

Phil Bardwell * Ollie Baycroft * Tucker Blinkhorn *

16 17 18

* Graduate of RWBRFC Youth Section Referee | SHANE MANSFIELD RefereE Adviser | Mike COLLIS Physio | Wendy LearmontH

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Please support today’s officials as they play a crucial role. Team selections are subject to change.

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7th October 2023 Celebrating 10 years of rugby at Ballards AsH Rugby ACTION

RWBRFC Colts vs Oxford Harlequins COLTS

Live Bands Craft Beer & Real ALES Festival Barbecue Big Screen Rugby World Cup Gates open at noon £5 entry | Under 18s free

Only persons aged 18+ are permitted to purchase alcohol.

You may be requested to provide proof of age.

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Celebrating 10 years at Ballards Ash Get ready for a day of fun as we mark 10 years of rugby at Ballards Ash Sports Ground with the return of the Royal Wootton Bassett Beer Fest!

Join us on Saturday, October 7th, at Ballards Ash for a fantastic lineup.

The Fizzy Kisses- Nicky Fizz & Daz Kisses playing tracks from the 90’s and 2000’s.

Midnight Hour - The popular Bath-based soul band returns to Ballards Ash

RUGBY! Featured match - Royal Wootton Bassett Colts vs Oxford Harlequins Colts These talented Under 17s/18s teams will deliver a fast-paced, action-packed match that promises rugby excitement from future stars of the sport.

MUSIC! Just like all our community festivals, our Beer Festival will come alive with live music, starting in the afternoon and continuing into the evening.

Old Friends - Club-favourite duo closes the festival with their own brand of acoustic tunes!

Rugby World Cup! We will be screening all of the day’s Rugby World Cup matches throughout the event, including England vs Samoa on the Bassett Big Screen.

Entrance to BEER FEST is £5 with a free matchday programme. Entry will continue to be FREE for all under 18s.

Only persons aged 18 or over are permitted to purchase alcohol. You may be requested to provide proof of age.

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Sponsor a Senior Player CHOOSE A PLAYER | SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! By becoming a player’s sponsor, you’ll not only contribute to the growth and success of our senior playing squad, but you’ll also gain exposure and recognition for your generosity.

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League Table RWBRFC 1ST XV | REGIONAL 2 TRIBUTE SEVERN SW

#

TEAM

P

W

D

L

F

A

DIF

BPTS

TOT

ADJ

1

Royal Wootton Bassett

4

4

0

0

165

46

119

4

20

0

2

Thornbury

4

4

0

0

151

96

55

4

20

0

3

Drybrook

4

3

0

1

127

98

29

3

15

0

4

Trowbridge

4

2

0

2

164

89

75

5

13

0

5

Chippenham

3

2

0

1

105

97

8

4

12

0

6

Chosen Hill Former Pupils

4

2

1

1

104

107

-3

2

12

0

7

Keynsham

4

2

0

2

90

102

-12

3

11

0

8

Old Centralians

4

2

0

2

103

122

-19

2

10

0

9

Swindon

4

1

0

3

135

137

-2

5

9

0

10 Devizes

3

0

1

2

52

94

-42

1

3

0

11 Winscombe

4

0

0

4

69

136

-67

2

2

0

12 Gordano

4

0

0

4

71

212

-141

1

1

0

Royal Wootton Bassett RFC Website | www.rwbrfc.club Club Hire | www.meetatbassett.co.uk Twitter | @RWBassetRFC Facebook | @RWBRFC Instagram | @RWBRFC Threads | @RWBRFC Linkedin | @wootton-bassett-rfc-ltd Youtube | @RoyalWoottonBassettRFC 26

President Chairman Vice Chairman Minis & Juniors CHAIRMAN Director of Rugby SECRETARY Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Clubhouse Manager Facilities Manager Strategic Planning Lead SPONSORSHIP MANAGER PUBLICITY OFFICER Vice Presidents Coordinator

Andrew Gassor Chris Elias David Thomson Georgina Pplant Alan Low Andy Chamberlain Andy Morris Mark Woods Dave Floyd Rob Bloxham Suzie Cullen Alec Adams Sam Allen George Loughlin

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NEXT WEEK

OUR FEATURE RUGBY MATCH AT RWBRFC BEER FEST 2023

RWBRFC Colts vs Oxford Quins RFC Colts SATURDAY 7TH OCTOBER | BALLARDS ASH SPORTS GROUND WWW.RWBRFC.CLUB/NEWS/RWBRFC-BEER-FEST-2023

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